Improvement in saddle-trees



0. v. FLORA.

Y Saddle-Trees.

No.` 145,639... Patented Dec. 16,1873.

f MW 4M/@14% `then bound withstraps of iron to impart the UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.

ORLANDO V. FLORA, OF MADISON, INDIANA, ASSIGNOR TO HIMSELF, JNO.

G. MOORE, AND JNO. B.

ROSS, OF SAME PLACE.

Specification forming part of Lett( rs Patent No. 145,639, dated Dtccinl-er 16, lf-73 application lcd September 6, 1873.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, ORLANDO V. FLORA, of Madison, in the county of Jefferson and State of Indiana, have invented certain Improvements in Saddle-Trees, of which the following is a speciiication:

The object of my invention is to construct a saddle-tree in such a manner and of such material that it will be lighter, stronger, have a less number of pieces, and be cheaper than those constructed in the ordinary way.

In the present state of the art, each tree consists of at least eight distinct and separate pieces of wood, generally glued together and necessary' strength. As each piece has a peculiar shape, and is almost entirely worked out by hand, the cost ofthe tree is necessarily considerable.

In my improved tree there are but three pieces,` each capable ot' being formed accurately to the proper size and shape with ordinary machinery, two of the parts being afterward steamed and bent, or formed, and a`l rigidly secured together, advantage heingtaken ot the proper direction of the wood bers to secure the greatest strength and lightness.

In the drawing, Figure 1 is a plan of my improved tree. Fig. 2 is a front view of the same. Fig. 3 is a view of the under side of the cantle'.

A represents the body of the tree, consisting of the side bars and cantle made from one piece of thin tough wood, steamed and pressed into the proper shape and held until it is dry enough to retain its proper form. A front or pomniel piece, B, is constructed of the same material, and bent to the proper form, and the side bars are gained or halved into the prongs ofthe pommel-piece at t a and secured by means ot glue, nails, or screws. Across the under side of the cantle is glued or otherwise secured a cleat, C, which serves to strengthen the tree and prevent the cantle from splitting, the grain or bers of the two crossing each other at right angles.

It will readily be seen that cutting the three pieces accurately by pattern, and then giving the first two named their proper sh ape by mean s of forms or molds, will impart perfect regularity and uniformity much easier and cheaper than by the common method of construction.

As I dispense altogether with iron straps or plates-my construction of bent work heilig strong enough without them the cost is greatly lessened thereby.

I claiml. A saddle-tree, the body and cantle A of which are made of one piece otl wood, steamed, bent, and set in proper shape, and provided with a wooden cleat, O, substantially as and for the purpose herein specified.

2. In combination with the bent body and cantle A, the bent-wood pommelpiece B secured thereto by letting partially into the same, so as to dispense with iron straps, substantially as herein specified.

ORLANDO V. FLORA.

Viltnesses W. H. POGUE, CEAS. HAGEDON. 

